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Justin Jefferson Addresses Vikings' QB Situation After Missing NFL Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 4:25 PM ET

Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings fell short of a playoff berth in 2025. They finished the season going 9-8 and ended up in third place in the NFC North.

J.J. McCarthy was the team's biggest storyline throughout the season. After being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he entered his first season as Minnesota's starting quarterback.

McCarthy only appeared in 10 games and struggled. He completed 140-of-243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 72.6 passer rating. He also rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns. McCarthy replaced Sam Darnold, who has led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl appearance.

Now in the offseason, the Vikings have undergone significant changes. That includes firing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four seasons with the team.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

There is a belief that the next general manager could bring in a new quarterback to challenge McCarthy. Despite being the team's highest-paid player ($140 million) and arguably the NFL's top wide receiver, Jefferson made it clear he won't be involved in any quarterback changes.

“That’s not my decision,” Jefferson said on “Up & Adams.” “I don’t care who’s throwing me that ball, that’s not my main priority… I don’t really care who’s going to be throwing that ball… As of right now, J.J. is my quarterback. So, for me, it’s to get him to where we need to go, and it starts off right now.”

#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson on the QB situation:

“That’s not my decision. I dont care who’s throwing me that ball. That’s not my main priority… that person that’s throwing that ball needs to throw that ball, and lead us to into that big dance at the end of the season. Right… pic.twitter.com/WAjjJg1mQ5
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) February 4, 2026

McCarthy still has two more seasons on his rookie contract and a fifth-year option. His performance on the field in 2026 could be the deciding factor in his future with the Vikings. For now, though, he has teammates such as Jefferson to lean on.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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